2023 has been an insane year.
It’s been filled with trips, wakeboarding, surfing, wakesurfing and plenty of cold water. I’ve been working on a few things this year, and one of them was the Wake Park World Championships, and Plastic Playground, both held at liquid Leisure. Some might think it’s just wakeboarding, some might think I was mad to enter such big competitions at the age of 39, but for me, it was a crazy goal and it absolutely terrified me.
I made the decision to enter these comps back in October 2022 only discussing it with my husband, who gave me his full support, as we knew that it meant my brain would be thinking about it and I would need to put in some hours at Liquid, (which is not the easiest juggling work and a family). Big thanks to Xtreme Wake and Box End Park for all the encouragement, riding and all round good vibes that saw me through!
The time came for the Worlds, I entered both the Park and Urban categories in the over 30’s. I was nervous beyond words, sweats, shakes, you name it. And the competition runs for a week, and I rode on two of the days.
But I did it, I rode in the Wake Park World Championships which was the main goal, but then I came away with 2nd place in both the Park and the Urban! It was such an incredible feeling!
And then onto Plastic Playground, which is a completely different animal. Even more international riders flew in for this one and the park was changed up to create mind blowing hacks with the features. This was so scary to ride in but again, my goal was to just ride in the comp. And then I came away with 2nd in the Masters again! Three international podiums in two weeks!
These competitions were by far the scariest I’ve ever entered, but I went in with just the expectation to ride; and getting podiums was a real cherry on top.
@taken_by_tilly
There has been loads more; surf trips to Portugal, Cornwall and North Devon filled with sun, waves and ocean dips.
Cold water dips and daily cold showers.
Pushing myself with health and fitness with new goals and never ticking them off as I keep moving readjusting them, always chasing the next goal or achievement.
And of course, the year has been filled with family and friends which is priceless.
So 2023, you have been one hell of a year and I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed it!
2024, I am coming for you 🙂